(For sale in the Cottage Garden section of the shop)
Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
(For sale in the Cottage Garden section of the shop)
Hardy evergreen shrub and herb, also known as Rock Rose and Sun Rose. Sticky green leaves and papery white flowers with yellow centres and purple splotches. Plant will grow to about 6 ft (2 m). Cistus comes from the Greek kiste", meaning box - the shape of the seed capsules.
The plant produces a fragrant wax called labdanum, after a cool night, and this can be collected and used in the treatment of bronchitis. It is traditionally collected by whipping the bush so that the exudates stick to the throngs of the whip. The plant was a major ingredient in pomanders of the Middle Ages - smells of ambergris. It is used in treating diarrhoea and catarrh. Resin from the plant was an ingredient in a holy ointment mentioned in the Bible. Cistus oil is used as a fixative in perfumery.
Plant in sun. Thrives on chalk and is ideal for poor, dry soil.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*